What is a tortfeasor?

A tortfeasor is an individual who commits a tort, which is a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another party. The fundamental aspect of a tort is that it leads to legal liability, meaning that the tortfeasor may be required to compensate the victim for damages incurred due to their actions or negligence. This concept is central to tort law, which addresses a variety of wrongful acts, including personal injury, property damage, and interference with contractual relationships.

The other options focus on different legal concepts. For example, crimes involve offenses against the state or public, which differentiates them from torts that are primarily concerned with civil disputes between parties. Similarly, violating a contract pertains to breaches of agreements between parties rather than unlawful acts that cause injury. Lastly, a legal practitioner refers to a professional role rather than an individual responsible for a wrongful act. Thus, the definition of a tortfeasor specifically aligns with option C and is crucial for understanding the context of tort law and liability.